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What Do You Tell Parents Who Ask What Will Happen to My Child During Surgery?

Correspondence: Requests for reprints should be addressed to: John D. Baker, M.D., 2355 Monroe, Dearborn, MI 48124 e-mail: jbaker4051{at}aol.com

When a parent asks what will happen to his or her child during surgery, it is important that the surgeon commits the necessary time to fully explain the answers to this question and realizes that this is an important part of the whole surgical process. The surgeon should have a plan in mind as to the important issues to discuss and the questions to be answered. These should include the legal parts of informed consent, as well as the reasons for surgery, what exactly will be done during surgery (the technical aspect), what will happen on the day of surgery as the family moves from registration through the operative suite and home, and a discussion of post-op pain management and restrictions. A thorough discussion of these issues will help the parent(s) become a proactive part of the surgical team. This will benefit the parent, child, and surgeon.